Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - During a brief special meeting of the Buffalo School Board Monday, board members met in executive session and returned to vote on a resolution allowing for the return of longtime McKinley High School principal Crystal Barton.
Barton has been on paid administrative leave from the district since 2017 stemming from allegations of discrimination by the school against students in the LGBTQ community.
Following the unanimous passage of the resolution discussed in executive session, board members are allowing for her immediate return if she chooses.
"Mrs. Barton is currently considering all her options," stated Lou Petrucci, board president. "We are all very pleased to have put these matters behind us."
The discrimination allegations in 2017 launched a series of legal arguments that saw Barton seek to be reinstated and action lodged against the district on her behalf.
The board action Monday wipes the slate clean and would allow for Barton's return to the school which is still dealing with the aftermath of a February stabbing and shooting incident.
Buffalo Schools released the following statement following the action on Barton:
“The District and Mrs. Barton have amicably resolved and settled various forms of litigation amongst them. As part of the settlement, Mrs. Barton, who is one of the longest tenured and highly regarded principals in the District is eligible to immediately return to service at McKinley High School. Mrs. Barton is currently considering all of her options at this time. We are all very pleased to have finally put all these matters behind us and the District is appreciative and thankful to Principal Barton for all of her years of service.”
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